Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What is a VIFP?

The Very Important Fun Person Club! That’s the new name of Carnival Cruise Line’s revamped Loyalty Program. But there’s a bigger change then just the name. Like another cruise line did about a year ago, Carnival will now base the tiers of the new program on the number of cruise days sailed rather than the number of cruises. Cruisers receive 1 VIFP point per cruise night. On a 7 night cruise, you earn 7 points, an 8 night cruise, 8 points and so on. So, what do your points get you?

Benefits for ""Blue"" VIFP members (0 points, first-time with Carnival):
Members-only offers and the Member eNewsLetter.

Benefits for ""Gold"" VIFP members (25-74 points):
· All of the above plus an invitation to the Gold-Platinum-Diamond VIFP cocktail party (available on 5+ day sailings, with free drinks and appetizers.
· A Gold VIFP pin (given to you upon entry into the Gold level).

Benefits for ""Diamond"" VIFP members (200+ points):
· All of the above plus guaranteed reservations for specialty restaurants and in the main dining rooms.
· One time complimentary dinner for 2 at a Specialty Restaurant on board.
· A special invitation from the captain (with free drinks).
· One time free cabin upgrade (or 3rd and 4th guests cruise for free).
· Unlimited complimentary laundry services.
· VIFP Club luggage tag and a passport holder
· Dedicated toll free cruise number for sales and services
· One time $100 contribution to the St Jude Research Hospital.

Additionally, the line rolled out a program called Milestone Cruise Rewards. VIFP members sailing on their 25th, 50th, and 75th cruise will receive a shipboard credit equal to 25%, 50% or 75% of their cruise fare, respectively, for that voyage. On a member’s 100th voyage they will receive a complimentary Carnival cruise to Caribbean, Alaska or Mexico Riviera (up to 8 days in length)."